The 2020 MLS All-Star Game will feature the MLS All-Stars taking on their counterparts from Mexico's Liga MX, the leagues have announced.
The match will take place on July 29 at Los Angeles' Banc of California Stadium, home of LAFC.
MLS commissioner Don Garber, Liga MX executive president Enrique Bonilla, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, former U.S. international Landon Donovan and former Mexico international Pavel Pardo were all in attendance for the historic announcement on Wednesday.
"We are so pleased to bring the 2020 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target to Los Angeles, one of the great soccer markets in North America," said Garber in a media release. "As we celebrate our 25th season, we wanted to deliver an unique and unprecedented format for our annual All-Star Game. Our first ever game between the best of MLS and LIGA MX's top players is the perfect way to build on the growing relationship between the two top soccer leagues in the region."
"For LIGA MX it is a privilege to be part of MLS' celebration of its 25th season with this MLS All-Star Game," said Bonilla. "Also, it represents another step in the partnership that we have established between two of the best leagues in the world. I know that this game being played in a spectacular setting and a magnificent stadium will be exciting for our fans, in a city that is special to us.
"For LIGA MX, it will always be important to be close to our supporters in the United States. The MLS All-Star Game, of course, strengthens the sports rivalry between MLS and LIGA MX. A rivalry that will collaborate directly in the growth of the sport in our region."
MLS has lined up club opposition to play in the match in each of the past 15 years, facing the likes of Manchester United (twice), Chelsea (twice) Arsenal, Real Madrid and Juventus. In 2019, Atletico Madrid prevailed 3-0.
However, the MLS All-Stars have not won in the event since a 2-1 victory over Tottenham in 2015. Now the fact that MLS will be facing a Liga MX squad means the All-Stars will be competing on a more level playing field.
The first time that the MLS All-Star Game involved a club opponent came in 2003 when the All-Stars squared off against Chivas de Guadalajara. That match was held in Carson, Calif. at what is now known as Dignity Health Sports Park, the home of the LA Galaxy.
The match is also the latest sign of increasing cooperation between the two leagues. Recent years have seen the introduction of the Campeones Cup, a match between Mexico's Campeon de Campeones -- which involves the most recent winners of the Apertura and Clausura tournaments -- and the winners of MLS Cup. UNAL Tigres defeated Toronto FC 3-1 in 2018, while Atlanta United prevailed over Club America 3-2 last summer.
The 2019 season also witnessed the inaugural Leagues Cup, which this year involved four teams from each league, and will be expanded in 2020 to involve a total of 16 teams. Cruz Azul won the first edition of that event.